What You Really Get from Your College Tuition
When you write those checks for college tuition, it can be challenging to focus on what you’re really paying for. But your Upper Iowa University tuition pays for more than just course materials and online discussions; more than just one-on-one instruction and final exams. Remember that your tuition is an investment in your future.
Tuition Value #1: A Lifetime of Greater Earning Potential
Your tuition pays off. According to a 2010 study by the College Board Advocacy and Policy Center, “Education Pays,” people who have earned a bachelor’s degree earned an average of $21,900 more than those with just high school diplomas in 2008. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says those who paid the tuition and graduated college earned an average of $1,137 a week in 2009, compared to $726 for those with just a high school diploma (http://www.bls.gov/spotlight/2010/college/home.htm). Over the course of your career, your tuition will pay for itself many times over.
Money Magazine actually crunched some numbers, comparing college tuition to earnings by grads. (http://www.smartmoney.com/Personal-Finance/College-Planning/colleges-that-pay-off/). Their conclusions: Most good schools bring in a return on investment beyond 100 percent. If that’s not a sure bet, what is?
Tuition Value #2: Increased Employment Opportunities
When you pay your tuition, you’re not only paying for better jobs in your future—you’re reducing your risk of unemployment. In the fourth quarter of 2009, the unemployment rate for young adults with only a high school diploma was 2.6 times greater than the unemployment rate of college grads, according to the College Board.
Tuition Value #3: A Better Life
From job satisfaction and feelings of value to overall health and involvement in children’s education—those who invest in college tuition report that they reap economic and social benefits that last a lifetime.
So the next time you write a tuition check, keep in mind the value of your investment. Learn more about Upper Iowa University tuition at (http://www.uiu.edu/admissions/annualcosts/index.html).
